Officer Smith is patrolling in the 1500 block of Allison Avenue when he receives a call about a possible liquor store hold up near his location. Unsure if the perpetrator is armed, Officer Smith speeds to the scene and pulls into the parking lot, where he believes the suspect or suspects are still inside. Officer Smith exited his vehicle, drew his gun, and approached the front entrance. Approximately nine feet from the front door, Billy Bad Boy burst from the liquor store with a case of beer in his hand and began to flee towards his parked scooter. Startled, Officer Smith responded by attempting to stop Billy by shooting him in the back of the leg. Unfortunately, Officer Smith's aim is off and he strikes Billy in the lower back near the spinal cord. Billy is eventually paralyzed from the waist down. Billy has brought suit against Officer Smith and the police department for violation of his civil rights.

Answer the following questions:

• Using the standard developed by the court in Tennessee v. Garner, discuss whether or not the officer was justified in using deadly force in this case.
• What other options did Officer Smith have in this case?
• Was Officer Smith's response reasonable given what we know? How else could the officer have responded?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Justification of Deadly Force In Tennessee v Garner the Supreme Court established the standard for the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers ... View the full answer